Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars present at the back of your mouth. They erupt between the ages of 16 and 25. You may need to opt for wisdom teeth removal surgery for several reasons.

The most common reason for wisdom teeth extraction is when they are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that do not erupt normally like others and get ‘stuck’ in your jawbone or gums, leading to severe pain and discomfort. You may also need wisdom teeth extraction if your teeth erupt at the wrong angles. Other situations when we would recommend wisdom teeth extraction include cavities or gum disease or when your mouth doesn’t have enough room to accommodate an extra set of molars.

Dr. Engle is a native Arlington resident with over 30 years of experience in the dentistry field. He has performed this procedure numerous times and gives his patients the best care possible in a comfortable environment.

request an appointment

WHAT PROBLEMS DO IMPACTED TEETH CAUSE?

You may need a quick wisdom teeth removal surgery if your teeth are impacted. If you overlook this condition, you may fall prey to many other problems.

  • Impacted teeth lead to severe pain in the back of your mouth and this is a clear sign you need a wisdom teeth extraction at the earliest.
  • Trapped food and debris around your wisdom teeth can lead to infection, decay, and unwanted problems. Wisdom teeth removal is recommended to prevent tooth issues and gum infections.
  • You may also develop gum disease around your molars because of the impacted teeth.
  • Impacted teeth trigger the growth of a cyst around one or more of your teeth and cause sustained damage to your nearby teeth and surrounding bone.

HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?

We will offer you nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. After taking your X-rays and finding the exact location of the impacted teeth, we will make an incision to access them. Once your wisdom teeth are visible, they will be loosened and extracted from their sockets.

The area will be cleaned, after which we will place stitches and close the incision. In many cases, the stitches will dissolve on their own. 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SURGERY?

It is normal to experience mild discomfort after wisdom teeth removal surgery. You may also experience some swelling or bleeding. We will give you instructions on how to manage the effects of the procedure such as placing a gauze to stop any bleeding, rinsing your mouth with water, and not consuming hard foods or using an ice pack to alleviate the swelling.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Arlington Family Dental Care, call (817) 274-8439 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit Dentist in Arlington TX at 2621 Matlock Road, Suite 103, Arlington, TX 76015.